Brazil prepares for Operation Orion 2026 in France

Brazil joins Operation Orion 2026

Brazil is preparing to take part in Operation “Orion 2026” by deploying a Brazilian Marine Corps contingent. Organised by France, the large-scale military exercise will bring together forces from more than twenty NATO-allied countries. Running from 2 February to 4 March, the manoeuvres mark another stage in the strategic cooperation between the two nations, strengthening the expeditionary capability and interoperability of Brazilian marines in high-intensity settings.

Orion 26 will involve more than 12,000 personnel, 25 ships - including the French Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91) - and 140 aircraft and drones. The exercise ranges from amphibious and air operations along the Atlantic coast to land manoeuvres under NATO command in the Champagne region. It is intended to prepare allied forces for high-intensity conflicts in a complex, multi-domain environment, while improving interministerial coordination and testing emerging technological capabilities, including artificial intelligence, electronic warfare and uncrewed systems.

Brazil has selected sixteen personnel for the mission: three officers and thirteen senior enlisted personnel. The first phase will see them embark aboard the amphibious helicopter carrier (PHA) Mistral (L9013), where they will conduct joint exercises and tactical rehearsals, before moving on to land operations in France. The contingent’s preparation involved a demanding training programme and adapting its equipment for the European climate, where temperatures range from 3°C to 9°C, testing its ability to operate in extreme conditions.

Commander (Marine Corps) Fernando Baptista, a member of the Brazilian delegation, said that participation in Orion represents “the high degree of mutual trust and international recognition of the operational capability of Brazilian naval infantry in complex multinational operations”. According to the Brazilian Navy, this latest experience in France will enhance troop training for increasingly demanding operational environments while extending the country’s strategic presence internationally.

Previous cooperation in Operation Catamaran 2025

Brazil’s presence at Orion 2026 continues the relationship established during Operation “Catamaran 2025”, another France-led multinational exercise. On that occasion, Brazilian marines operated alongside forces from Spain, the United States, Italy and the United Kingdom. Embarked on the PHA Tonnerre (L9014), the troops carried out combined amphibious operations and joint training, further developing cooperation and interoperability with Atlantic allies. That earlier experience laid the groundwork for the current deployment and reinforced the Brazilian Marine Corps’ commitment to NATO operational standards.

By joining Operation Orion, the Brazilian Navy restates its policy of international projection and its expeditionary vocation. Taking part in exercises of this scale strengthens not only the Brazilian Marine Corps’ tactical and logistical capabilities, but also places Brazil as a significant player in security, defence and international cooperation, able to integrate effectively into highly complex multinational coalitions and contribute actively to global stability and peace.

Images used for illustrative purposes.